Dhruv Jurel celebrated his maiden Test century against the West Indies in Ahmedabad on October 3, 2025, with a heartfelt tribute to his father, Nem Chand, a Kargil war veteran of the Indian Army. Jurel's gesture, a "guard of honour" salute, resonated deeply, acknowledging his father's sacrifices and service to the nation.
Jurel reached his century off 190 balls, demonstrating composure and skill at the crease. He played an important innings, scoring 125 runs, which included 12 fours and two sixes. Coming in at number 5, Jurel formed a crucial 206-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, further solidifying India's position in the Test.
The celebration was particularly significant because Jurel's father had always been a pillar of support, even pawning his wife's gold necklace to buy his son a kit bag when he was 14. Although his father initially had reservations about Dhruv pursuing cricket due to financial constraints, he eventually became his son's biggest supporter. Nem Chand, who had hoped his son would join the army, can now proudly salute his son for representing India on the cricket field.
Jurel's salute has become his signature gesture, first displayed during his maiden Test fifty against England in February. He had also used it after scoring a fifty in the IPL 2024. Jurel explained that the salute was a tribute to his father's service and a fulfillment of his indirect request to "show the salute once".
Born in Agra on January 21, 2001, Jurel's journey to the Indian Test team has been marked by dedication and perseverance. He played youth cricket for Uttar Pradesh and was the vice-captain of the Indian Under-19 team at the 2020 World Cup. He made his Twenty20 debut for Uttar Pradesh in 2021 and his first-class debut in 2022.
Jurel's performance has strengthened his claim for a regular spot in the Indian Test side, especially with Rishabh Pant sidelined. His ability to perform as a top or middle-order batter adds valuable flexibility to the team. His mature approach to the game, combined with his emotional connection to his family and his father's military background, makes him a compelling figure in Indian cricket.
